Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Benefits of olive oil for the heart, skin and hair

If you are an avid viewer of cooking shows, you know that olive oil is a
staple in most top chefs' creations. Cooking connoisseurs enjoy using
this oil because of the unique flavor it brings to food. Olive oil is
made from olives, most of which originate from the Mediterranean region.
People in this region are revered for their longevity and their
luscious hair and skin. This may be because olive oil is a staple in
their diets. As more people are starting to realize the overall health
benefits of olive oil, its use is growing in popularity.

Benefits of olive oil for the heart, skin and hair:

Cholesterol and Heart Health

Despite
the drama surrounding the use of fats and oils, these things are an
essential part of a balanced eating plan. The key is to choose your fats
wisely. Olive oil is one of the healthiest types of fat around. The
monounsaturated fat in olive oil has been shown to control LDL (bad)
cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. This can potentially lower
your risk of heart disease.

When you digest your food, free
radicals that are naturally produced by the body can damage the cells.
Free radicals from environmental factors such as dust, smog, cigarette
smoke and pesticides don't help the situation. The antioxidants
contained in olive oil can help fight off and repair some of the damage
that free radicals can cause.

To get the best heart-healthy
results from olive oil, the U.S Food and Drug Administration recommends
eating two tablespoons daily. You can easily get this amount in your
diet by following the examples of top chefs and using it in your
favorite foods.

Skin and Hair

The antioxidants contained in olive oil
can benefit more than your heart. Because this substance prevents cell
destruction, it fights the signs of aging and gives you a more youthful
appearance. When applied topically, olive oil moisturizes and softens
dry skin. Since the product is natural, adverse reactions are not common.

The
problem with a lot of commercial skincare products is that the
moisturizing ingredients don't penetrate the skin. Extra virgin olive oil
is composed of more than 80 percent oleic acid. This substance easily
penetrates the skin, and allows the oil to heal damage, reduce wrinkles
and improve texture.

If you struggle with dry, brittle hair,
keeping a bottle of olive oil handy can help. A weekly deep conditioner
of olive oil can be used in the place of products that contain silicone
ingredients to make the hair more manageable. Shampoos that contain
sulfates will strip the moisture out of your hair and make it look drab
and lifeless. Using olive oil in the place of your regular commercial
conditioners can moisturize the hair and give it a healthy sheen.

Olive
does more than make scrumptious dishes. It is well documented that,
when combined with a nutritious diet, this oil's antioxidant properties
can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels and heart health. In
addition, when added as part of a regular beauty regimen, it can improve
the health of your skin and hair.